Apparatus and methods for fabricating a helicopter main rotor blade

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for fabricating a helicopter main rotor blade includes a compaction fixture for assembling and compacting blade subassembly components and a sheath spreading/insertion apparatus for spreading and inserting a leading-edge sheath onto the blade subassembly during the compaction process. The compaction fixture includes a lower assembly having a contoured upper airfoil nest mounted in combination with a support structure and an upper assembly having a pressure bag affixed in sealed combination to a contoured backplate affixed in combination to a structural support truss. With the upper and lower assemblies in locked combination, the pressure bag is pressurized to compact the assembled blade subassembly components. The sheath spreading/insertion apparatus includes a movable stanchion, upper and lower elongate carriage members mounted in synchronized movable combination with the stanchion, and a row of suction cups mounted in combination with each carriage member. Pneumatic cylinders are mounted in combination with the stanchion and the respective carriage members. Pressurization of the pneumatic cylinders causes synchronized movement of the upper and lower carriage members between a disengaged position wherein the leading-edge sheath can be inserted between the upper and lower rows of suction cups, an engaged position wherein the suction cups abuttingly engage respective OML surfaces of the leading-edge sheath and an operating position wherein the leading-edge sheath is spread apart for insertion onto the blade subassembly during compaction thereof.

RELATED APPLICATION

The instant application is related to commonly-owned, co-pending U.S.patent application entitled AN EOP SCRIBE DEVICE (S-4887).

1. Technical Field

The present invention is directed to manufacturing apparatus andmethods, and more specifically, to apparatus and methods for fabricatinga helicopter main rotor blade.

2. Background of the Invention

There is a growing trend in the aerospace industry to expand the use ofcomposite materials for a diverse array of structural and dynamicapplications. One particular application for the use of compositematerials lies in the fabrication of main rotor blades for helicopters.

With increased usage of composite materials to fabricate main rotorblades, the helicopter industry is continually seeking to improve thetooling and/or methods used to fabricate main rotor blades so as toreduce the per unit fabrication costs associated with the main rotorblades. Typically, the per blade fabrication costs are higher than needbe due to part rejections or rework that occurs during the main rotorblade fabrication process. Part rejections typically occur where thecomposite material has been so substantially damaged during thefabrication process that rework is not cost effective or where afinished fabricated part exceeds the tolerance limits established forthe part. Rework occurs where the composite material has been damagedduring the fabrication process, and the damage may be repaired in arelatively cost effective manner.

Sikorsky Aircraft has developed a parallel manufacturing protocol forfabricating helicopter main rotor blades wherein a blade subassembly anda leading-edge sheath are concurrently fabricated as individualcomponents, and then the prefabricated blade subassembly and theprefabricated leading-edge sheath are integrated in combination to forman assembled main rotor blade. The assembled main rotor blade issubsequently cured to form a finished main rotor blade. This protocolwas adopted in large measure because experience has shown that theleading edges of main rotor blades are subjected to varying degrees ofabrasion during helicopter operations. As a result of such abrasioneffects, the leading edge of a helicopter main rotor blade at some pointbecomes aerodynamically unsuitable for further use. Rather thanreplacing the entire main rotor blade, it was determined that areplaceable leading-edge sheath would allow abrasion-degraded main rotorblades to be efficaciously and economically repaired.

The prior art process for fabricating blade subassemblies involved theuse of a "clamshell" tooling fixture and a "wet" lay-up process for thecomposite materials. It was determined that the rejection rate for bladesubassemblies fabricated using the clamshell tooling fixture and the wetlay-up process was unacceptable in light of the today's competitivemarket. The dependability and accuracy of the clamshell tooling fixturedepended upon the stability of the laid up tooling contours, the propersecuring and pinning of all fasteners and locators, and the variabilityin applying blade outer mold line pressures. The clamshell toolingfixture and the wet lay-up process were subjected to shrinkage and loseof tolerances, which led to component rejection. The clamshellconfiguration result in asymmetrical pressure distributions across thelayed-up blade subassembly.

Another area of concern in the parallel manufacturing protocol was thesheath spreader tool used to integrate the leading-edge sheath incombination with the blade subassembly. The leading-edge sheath has aprefabricated configuration that does not allow the sheath to beinserted directly onto the blade subassembly. Rather, the aft edges ofthe leading-edge sheath must be spread apart to allow the leading-edgesheath to be inserted onto the blade subassembly. The prior art sheathspreader tool comprises segmented angular stainless steel sheet metalgrabbers that are mounted spanwise on the aft edges of the leading-edgesheath in contact with the inner mold line (IML) surfaces (which areformed of composite material) of the leading-edge sheath. Each segmentof the prior art grabber is individually actuated by means of a side camlever. The prior grabbers exert a shearing action against the IMLsurfaces of the leading-edge sheath in spreading the aft edges of thesheath apart. The shearing action caused by the prior art grabberscaused cracks and delaminations in the composite material subjected tothe shearing action thereof, resulting in component rejections orrework. In addition to the foregoing deficiency of the prior artleading-edge sheath spreader tool, the segments of the grabber areindividually actuated in a sequential manner such that to spread apartthe entire leading-edge sheath involves multiple, repetitive operations.Not only is such a procedure labor intensive and time consuming, andhence costly, such a procedure may induce unwanted stresses into the aftedges of the leading-edge sheath.

A need exists to provide an apparatus for spreading a leading-edgesheath for insertion onto a blade subassembly without inducing cracksand/or delaminations in the composite material of the leading-edgesheath. Preferably, the apparatus should spread the leading-edge sheathapart in a single operation to reduce the time required to spread theleading-edge sheath apart. A need also exists to provide a fixture forassemblage and compacting of a blade subassembly that provides a uniformpressure distribution during the compaction of the blade subassembly,that facilitates the use of prepreg composite materials, and thatensures proper chordwise and spanwise alignment of the components of theblade subassembly layed-up in the fixture. A need also exists to providea sheath spreading apparatus and compaction fixture which in combinationsimplify the insertion of a spread-apart leading-edge sheath onto theblade subassembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One object of the present invention is to provide a sheathspreading/insertion apparatus that spreads apart a leading-edge sheathwithout inducing cracks and/or delaminations in the composite materialthereof.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a sheathspreading/insertion apparatus that spreads apart a leading-edge sheathin a single operation.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a compactionfixture for assemblage and compaction of blade subassembly componentsthat provides a uniform pressure distribution during compaction of theblade subassembly.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a compactionfixture that ensures proper chordwise and spanwise alignment of thecomponents comprising the blade subassembly as assembled in thecompaction fixture.

One more object of the present invention is to provide a sheathspreading/insertion apparatus and a compaction fixture which, incombination, greatly simplify the insertion of a spread-apartleading-edge sheath assembly onto the blade subassembly.

These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by asheath spreading/insertion apparatus according to present invention forspreading a leading-edge sheath and inserting the spread-apartleading-edge sheath in combination with a blade subassembly. The sheathspreading/insertion apparatus comprises a movable stanchion, an upperelongate carriage member mounted in movable combination with the movablestanchion and a lower elongate carriage member mounted in movablecombination with the movable stanchion. A plurality of suction cups aremounted in combination with each of the upper and lower elongatecarriage members. A means is provided by imparting synchronized movementto the upper and lower carriage members between a disengaged positionwherein the leading-edge sheath may be inserted between the pluralitiesof suction cups mounted in combination with the upper and lowercarriages without contact therewith, an engaged position wherein thepluralities of suction cups abuttingly engage respective outer mold line(OML) surfaces of the leading-edge sheath, and an operating positionwherein the leading-edge sheath is spread apart for insertion onto theblade subassembly. A means is provided for generating suction forces inthe pluralities of suction cups in the engaged position to cause thesuction cups to hold the respective OML surfaces of the leading-edgesheath such that subsequent synchronized movement of the upper and lowercarriage members to the operating position causes the leading-edgesheath to be spread apart. A means is provided for moving the movablestanchion to insert the spread-apart leading-edge sheath onto the bladesubassembly.

The sheath spreading/insertion apparatus further includes a means forindicating that the spread-apart leading-edge sheath has been fullyinserted onto the blade subassembly. The synchronized movement impartingmeans comprises a plurality of pneumatic cylinders mounted incombination with the upper elongate carriage member and the movablestanchion, a plurality of pneumatic cylinders mounted in combinationwith the lower elongate carriage members and the movable stanchion, anda pressure source pneumatically interconnected to the pluralities ofpneumatic cylinders. Actuation of the pressure source providespressurized air to the pluralities of pneumatic cylinders to causesynchronized movement of the upper and lower elongate carriage membersbetween the disengaged position wherein the leading-edge sheath may beinserted between the pluralities of suction cups mounted in combinationwith the upper and lower elongate carriage members without contacttherewith, the engaged position wherein the pluralities of suction cupsabuttingly engage respective OML surfaces of the leading-edge sheath,and the operating position wherein the leading-edge sheath is spreadapart for insertion onto the blade subassembly. For the describedembodiment, ninety suction cups are mounted in combination with theupper elongate carrier member and ninety suction cups are mounted incombination with the lower elongate carrier member.

To spread and insert the leading-edge sheath in combination with a bladesubassembly, the leading-edge sheath is mounted between upper and lowerrows of suction cups, the upper and lower rows of suction cups aredisplaced in synchronized movement to an engaged position wherein thesuction cups abuttingly engage respective OML surfaces of theleading-edge sheath, suction forces are generated in the upper and lowersuction cups to cause the suction cups to hold the respective OMLsurfaces of the leading-edge sheath, the upper and lower rows of suctioncups are displaced in synchronized movement to an operating position tocause the leading-edge sheath to be spread apart, and the spread-apartleading-edge sheath is inserted onto the blade subassembly.

A compaction fixture according to the present invention is provided forassembling and compacting a blade subassembly that includes upper andlower composite skins, a honeycomb core, and a spar assembly (a sparwith at least one counterweight bonded thereto). The compaction fixturecomprises a lower assembly that includes a support structure and acontoured upper airfoil nest mounted in combination with the supportstructure. The contoured upper airfoil nest has an OML surface thatdefines the airfoil surface of the upper composite skin, a plurality oftooling pins for locating the upper composite skin, honeycomb corecombination in the contoured upper airfoil nest, and a plurality ofpusher pins for locating the spar assembly in chordwise alignment in thecontoured upper airfoil nest. A spar stanchion is mounted in combinationwith the inboard and outboard ends of the contoured upper airfoil nest,respectively, for locating the spar assembly in spanwise alignment inthe contoured upper airfoil nest. The compaction fixture furthercomprises an upper assembly that includes a structural support truss, acontoured backplate affixed to the structural support tress, and apressure bag having chordwise and spanwise dimensions corresponding tothe blade subassembly fastened in sealed combination with the contouredbackplate. A means is provided for locking the upper and lowerassemblies in combination so that compaction of the blade subassemblyassembled in the lower assembly may be effectuated. A means is providedfor pressurizing the pressure bag to compact the blade subassemblydisposed in the locked upper and lower assemblies. The compactionfixture may further include a caul plate interposed between the upperand lower assemblies to provide uniform pressure distribution over thelayed-up blade subassembly during compaction thereof.

To assemble and compact the blade subassembly, a composite fixture asdescribed in the preceding paragraph is provided. The upper compositeskin and the honeycomb core are layed-up in combination in the contouredupper airfoil nest. The spar assembly is located in chordwise andspanwise alignment in the contoured upper airfoil nest, and the lowercomposite skin is layed-up in combination with the spar assembly and thehoneycomb core. The upper and lower assemblies are locked in combinationand the pressure bag is pressurized to compact the assembled bladesubassembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention and the attendantfeatures and advantages thereof may be had by reference to the followingdetailed description when considered in conjunction with the followingdrawings wherein:

FIG. 1A is a top plan view of an exemplary main rotor blade for an H-60helicopter.

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the main rotor blade of FIG. 1Ataken along line 1B--1B thereof.

FIG. 1C is an enlarged partial perspective view of the leading edgesheath illustrated in FIG. 1B.

FIG. 1D is an enlarged partial perspective view of a counterweight forthe exemplary main rotor blade of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a compaction fixture and a sheathspreading/insertion apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a partial plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 2.

FIG. 3A is a partial perspective view of the sheath spreading/insertionapparatus of FIG. 3.

FIG. 4A is a flow chart illustrating the assemblage and compactionprocess according to the present invention.

FIG. 4B is a flow chart illustrating the sheath spreading and sheathinsertion process according to the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The apparatus and methods described in further detail hereinbelowcomprise part of the manufacturing protocol for fabricating main rotorblades for H-60 helicopters manufactured by the Sikorsky AircraftDivision of United Technologies Corporation. In particular, theapparatus and methods described herein have particular utility forfabricating the H-60 growth main rotor blade developed by SikorskyAircraft. It will be appreciated, however, that the apparatus andmethods described herein have applicability in fabricating main rotorblades in general.

An H-60 growth main rotor blade 100 is exemplarily illustrated in FIGS.1A-1D, and includes a leading edge 102 and a trailing edge 104, which incombination define the chord of the rotor blade 100, and an inboard end106 and an outboard (tip) end 108 (an anhedral tip portion of the mainrotor blade 100, which is the portion of the blade outboard of thedashed line 109 in FIG. 1A, is separately fabricated as a replaceablecomponent for the main rotor blade 100), which in combination define thespan of the rotor blade 100. The main rotor blade 100 comprises upperand lower composite skins 110, 112 that define the upper and loweraerodynamic surfaces of the blade 100, respectively, a honeycomb core114, a spar 116, one or more counterweights 118, and a leading-edgesheath 120. Adjustable trim tabs 130 (two for the illustratedembodiment) extend rearwardly from the trailing edge 104. The upper andlower composite skins 110, 112, the honeycomb core 114, the spar 116,and the counterweights 118 in combination define a blade subassembly132.

The composite skins 110, 112 are prefabricated components formed fromseveral plies of prepreg composite material of a type know to thoseskilled in the art, e.g., for the described embodiment woven fiberglassmaterial embedded in a suitable resin matrix. The upper composite skin110 has a plurality of locator apertures 134 (see FIG. 1A) formedtherethrough to facilitate the location of the spar assembly 116/118 ina compaction fixture as described in further detail hereinbelow. Afterthe main rotor blade 100 has been assembled, the locator apertures 134are patched with composite material so that the upper composite skin 110has an aerodynamically smooth surface. The honeycomb core 114 isfabricated of material type typically used in aerospace applications,e.g., for the described embodiment NOMEX® (NOMEX is a registeredtrademark of E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., Wilmington, Del. for aramidfibers or fabrics) and functions as a low weight, structural stiffeningmember between the upper and lower composite skins 110, 112.

The spar 116 is a prefabricated component and functions as the primarystructural member of the main rotor blade 100, reacting the torsional,bending, shear, and centrifugal dynamic loads developed in the rotorblade 100 during operation of the helicopter. The spar 116 of thedescribed embodiment is a composite spar of the type disclosed andclaimed in commonly-owned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.07/995,219 filed 22 Dec. 1992 entitled FIBER REINFORCED COMPOSITE SPARFOR A ROTARY WING AIRCRAFT. The composite spar 116 comprises tipper andlower side walls corresponding to upper and lower airfoil surfaces,respectively, and forward and aft conic closures corresponding toleading and trailing edges, respectively, of the main rotor blade 100.The tipper and lower side walls comprise a plurality of pre-ply layers,each pre-ply layer including unipack plies and cross plies of prepregcomposite material, i.e., fibrous material embedded in a resin matrix.The unipack plies, which have longitudinally (axial) orientated fibers,are of equal width and staggered to provide a tapered edge with theupper and lower side walls. The cross plies, which have ±40° orientatedfibers, have varying widths that form a staggered butt joint about theperiphery of the forward and aft conic closures. While the describedembodiment of the main rotor blade 100 incorporates a composite spar116, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the apparatus andmethods of the present invention may also be utilized in manufacturingmain rotor blades wherein the spar is fabricated as a metallicstructural member, e.g., a titanium spar.

One or more counterweights 118, one of which is illustrated in furtherdetail in FIG. 1D, are utilized to statically and dynamically balancethe main rotor blade 100. The counterweights 118 are fabricated fromless dense to more dense materials, e.g., foam, tungsten, and lead,respectively, for the described embodiment, in the spanwise directionfrom the inboard end 106 to the outboard end 108 to provide thenecessary weight distribution for statically and dynamically balancingthe main rotor blade 100. The counterweights 118 are fabricated toinclude hardpoints 136 that provide the physical engagement between thecounterweights 118 and the inner mold line (IML) surface of the leadingedge sheath 120. The counterweights 118 are adhesively bonded to thespar 116 to form a spar assembly 116/118 wherein the bondedcounterweights 118 are in an interposed position between the leadingedge sheath 120 and the leading edge of the spar 116.

The leading edge sheath 120, which is illustrated in greater detail inFIG. 1C, is a prefabricated hybrid component fabricated from compositematerials and abrasion-resistive materials. The sheath 120 has agenerally V-shaped configuration that defines the leading edge 102 ofthe main rotor blade 100. The sheath 120 comprises one or more plies 122of prepreg composite material, e.g., woven fiberglass material embeddedin a suitable resin matrix for the described embodiment, that define theinner mold line (IML) of the leading edge sheath 120, a first abrasionstrip 124, and a second abrasion strip 126. For the described embodimentof the leading edge sheath 120, the first abrasion strip 124 isfabricated from titanium and the second abrasion strip 126 is fabricatedfrom nickel. The tip end 108, i.e., outboard end, of the leading edgesheath 120 has the nickel strip 126 bonded to the titanium strip 124 asillustrated in FIG. 1C. The titanium strip 124 with the nickel strip 126overlay is adhesively bonded to the prepreg composite plies 122 to formthe leading edge sheath 120. Exposed segments 128 of the prepregcomposite plies 122 facilitate adhesive bonding of the leading edgesheath 120 in combination with the blade subassembly 132. The exposedsegments 128 include finished edges 128A (a method and apparatus fordefining the finished edges 128A of the leading-edge sheath 120 isdescribed in commonly-owned, co-pending U.S. patent application entitledAN EOP SCRIBE DEVICE (S-4887)) that have been formed to define theproper integration of the leading-edge sheath 120 in combination withblade subassembly 132 The leading edge sheath 120 is removable tofacilitate replacement thereof. The leading edge sheath 120, and inparticular the titanium strip 124 and the nickel strip 126 overlay,provides abrasion protection for the leading edge 102 of the main rotorblade 100. The leading edge sheath 120 also provides control of airfoiltolerances of the main rotor blade 100.

With reference to FIGS. 2-3, 3A, the apparatus according to the presentinvention include a compaction fixture 10 and a sheathspreading/insertion apparatus 50. The compaction fixture 10 includes alower assembly 12 and an upper assembly 30, which, in securedcombination, define the compaction fixture 10 which is operative tocompact the assembled blade subassembly 132. The lower assembly 12comprises a contoured upper airfoil nest 14 mounted on a supportstructure 16. The contoured upper airfoil nest 14 has an outer mold line(OML) surface 18 that defines the OML of the upper airfoil surface ofthe rotor blade 100, i.e., the upper composite skin 110.

Affixed in combination with the OML surface 18 of the contoured upperairfoil nest 14 are a plurality of tooling pins 20 (five for thedescribed embodiment). The tooling pins 20 function as location markersfor locating the upper composite skin 110 in aligned combination on thecontoured upper airfoil nest 14. Also affixed in combination with theOML surface 18 of the contoured upper airfoil nest 14 are a plurality ofpusher pins 22 (three for the described embodiment). The pusher pins 22are operative to define the chordwise alignment of the spar assembly116/118 in combination with the upper composite skin 110, honeycomb core114 combination as layed-up in the contoured upper airfoil nest 14. Thepusher pins 22 are sized to allow insertion of the pins 22 through thelocator apertures 134 formed in the upper composite skin 110.

Affixed in combination with the support structure 12 at the inboard andoutboard ends of the contoured upper airfoil nest 14 are spar stanchions24. The spar stanchions 24 in operative combination define the spanwisealignment of the spar assembly 116/118 in combination with the uppercomposite skin 110, honeycomb core 114 combination as layed-up in thecontoured upper airfoil nest 14. Also affixed in combination with thesupport structure 16 at each end thereof are a pair of locking members26. One or more hard stops 28 also form part of the support structure 16(see FIG. 3).

The upper assembly 30 comprises a pressure bladder or bag 32, acontoured backplate 34, and a structural support truss 36. The pressurebag 32 is sized to the spanwise and chordwise dimensions of the bladesubassembly 132. For the described embodiment of the growth main rotorblade 100, the pressure bag 32 has dimensions of about 3 feet in thechordwise direction and about 24 feet in the spanwise direction. Thepressure bag 32 is sealingly fastened to the contoured backplate 32, andis pressurized during the compaction process to develop the pressureforces required to compact the blade subassembly 132. The contouredbackplate 34 defines the OML of the lower airfoil surface, i.e., thelower composite skin 112, and is operative to function as a reactionsurface against the back pressures developed in the pressure bag 32during the compaction process.

Due to the overall size of the pressure bag 32, large pressure forcesare developed during pressurization thereof during the compactionprocess (within the range of about 52,000 pounds to about 103,000 poundstotal). The structural support truss 36 is operative to counteract suchlarge pressure forces to prevent damage to the upper assembly 30 duringthe compaction procedure. Each end of the support truss 36 includes apair of complementary locking members 38. When the upper assembly 30 islowered (e.g., by means of a crane) into combination with the lowerassembly 12, the complementary locking members 38 interact with thelocking members 26 to allow the upper and lower assemblies 30, 12 to betemporarily locked in combination, e.g., by pinned connections, toeffectuate the compaction process. A pressure source 40 is pneumaticallyinterconnected with the pressure bag 32 and operative to provide thepressurizing gas to pressurize the pressure bag 32 during the compactionprocess.

As is evident from an examination of FIGS. 2-3, the sheathspreading/insertion apparatus 50 is precisely co-located adjacent thelower assembly 12 of the compaction fixture 10 inasmuch as thecompaction fixture 10 and the sheath spreading/insertion apparatus 50have an interactive functional relationship during the fabricationprotocol of the main rotor blade 100. The sheath spreading/insertionapparatus 50 is operative, during the compaction process effectuated bythe compaction fixture 10, to insert the prefabricated leading edgesheath 120 in combination with the blade subassembly 132 layed-up in thecompaction fixture 10. The sheath spreading/insertion apparatus 50comprises an elongate stanchion 52 having a length corresponding to thespan of the leading-edge sheath 120 that is movably supported by rollingmembers 54. The rolling members 54 interact with rails 56 secured incombination with an elongate support table 58 so that the stanchion 52is movable with respect to the compaction fixture 10. The support table58 is precisely positioned with respect to the lower assembly 12 tofacilitate insertion of the leading edge sheath 120 in combination withthe blade subassembly 132 during the compaction procedure.

The sheath spreading/insertion apparatus 50 further includes upper andlower elongate carriage members 60U, 60L that are mounted in movablecombination with the elongate stanchion 52. A plurality of pneumaticcylinders 62U, 62L operatively interconnect the respective carriagemembers 60U, 60L to the stanchion 52. A pressure source 64 ispneumatically interconnected to the pneumatic cylinders 62U, 62L andoperative to provide pressurized air thereto for synchronized movementof the carriage members 60U, 60L with respect to the stanchion 52between a disengaged position, an engaged position, and an operatingposition. While the embodiments of the compaction fixture 10 and thesheath spreading/insertion apparatus 50 described herein utilizeseparate pressure sources 40, 64, it will be appreciated that a commonpressure source may be utilized for the compaction fixture 10 and thesheath spreading/insertion apparatus 50 according to the presentinvention in lieu of the separate pressure sources 40, 64 describedherein.

Pluralities of suction cups 66U, 66L are disposed in alignedcombination, i.e., rows, with the respective carriage members 60U, 60Lalong the spanwise length thereof. For the described embodiment, onehundred and eighty suction cups 66U, 66L are mounted in combination withthe respective carriage members 60U, 60L (ninety suction cups percarriage member). Each individual suction cup 66U, 66L has a bellowedconfiguration (to facilitate engagement of the cups with the contours ofthe respective OML surfaces of the leading-edge sheath 120), and anouter diameter of about two and one-half inches. Each suction cup 66U,66L is capable of exerting a suction force of about 100 to about 175pounds. Suction cups of the type manufactured by PIAB AB, Akersberga,Sweden, may be used in practicing the present invention. The individualsuction cups 66U, 66L are fluidically interconnected to a vacuum source68 which provides suction pressure therefor. The suction cups 66U, 66Lare operative to engage and hold the respective OML surfaces of theleading edge sheath 120 with the vacuum source 68 actuated. Subsequentsynchronized movement of the respective carriage members 60U, 60L awayfrom one another to the operating position causes spreading of thesheath 120 to facilitate insertion thereof in combination with the bladesubassembly 132.

A tip end locator 70 is secured in combination with one end of theelongate stanchion 52 and a plurality of leading edge stops 72 aresecured in combination with the stanchion 52 (see particularly FIG. 3A)along the length thereof. The tip end locator 70 is operative to providespanwise alignment of the leading-edge sheath 120 between the upper andlower suction cups 66U, 66L to ensure proper insertion thereof incombination with the blade assembly 132. The leading-edge stops 70 areoperative to ensure that the leading-edge sheath 120 is properlyinserted between the upper and lower suction cups 66U, 66L so that thesuction cups 66U, 66L can engage and hold the OML surfaces of theleading-edge sheath 120.

A means 74 is provided for moving the elongate stanchion 52 along therails 56 to insert the leading-edge sheath 120 onto the bladesubassembly 132 and for moving the stanchion 52 away from the compactionfixture 10 once the leading-edge sheath 120 is inserted onto the bladesubassembly 132 For the described embodiment, the means 74 comprises oneor more screw jacks. Mounted on the stanchion 52 are one or morecomplementary locator rods 76 that interact with the respective hardstops 28 of the support structure 16 during movement of the stanchion 52towards the compaction fixture 10. For the described embodiment,interaction between the locator rods 76 and the hard stops 28 causes adisplacement of the locator rods 76. Continued movement of the stanchion52 towards the compaction fixture 10 causes a corresponding displacementof the locator rods 76 until a red band thereon becomes visible,indicating to the operator of the sheath spreading/insertion apparatus50 that the leading-edge sheath 120 has been properly inserted onto theblade subassembly 132. One skilled in the art will appreciate that othermeans may be utilized to indicate that movement of the stanchion 52should be terminated inasmuch as the leading-edge sheath 120 has beenproperly inserted onto the blade subassembly 132. For example, thelocator rods 76 and the respective hard stops 28 could be functionallyconfigured and positioned so that contact therebetween automaticallyterminates the operation of the moving means 74 such that the stanchion52 ceases moving.

The steps of an assemblage and compaction process 200 according to thepresent invention are schematically illustrated in FIG. 4A. The purposeof the assemblage and compaction process according to the presentinvention is to assemble the components of the main rotor blade 100described hereinabove into a cure configuration. The cure configurationof the main rotor blade 100 is inserted into an autoclave (not shown)for final cure to form the finished main rotor blade assembly 100exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 1A. The upper composite skin 110 and thehoneycomb core 114 are provided as a prefabricated combination 110/114for the initial step 202 of the described embodiment of the assemblageand compaction protocol. This is achieved by applying a suitable filmadhesive to the honeycomb core 114 which is then mounted on the uppercomposite skin 110 and the combination 110/114 is then cured. In step202, the prefabricated combination 110/114 is layed-up in the contouredupper airfoil nest 14 by aligning the trailing edge 104 of the uppercomposite skin 110 with the tooling pins 20 and inserting the locatorapertures 134 of the upper composite skin 110 onto the pusher pins 22.While providing the upper composite skin 110 and the honeycomb core 114as a prefabricated combination 110/114 simplifies the assemblage andcompaction process according to the present invention, one skilled inthe art will appreciate that the upper composite skin 110 and thehoneycomb core 114 may alternatively be individually layed-up incombination with the contoured upper airfoil nest 14 in separatesequential steps.

A suitable film adhesive is then applied in step 204 prior to lay-up ofthe spar assembly 116/118. The film adhesive may be applied directly tothe spar assembly 116/118, or alternatively, directly to the layed-upupper composite skin 110. The spar assembly 116/118 is then layed-up incombination with the layed-up upper composite skin, honeycomb corecombination 110/114 in step 206. Proper chordwise alignment of the sparassembly 116/118 is achieved by abutting the spar assembly 116/118against the pusher pins 22 protruding through the upper composite skin102. Proper spanwise alignment of the spar assembly 116/118 is achievedby ensuring that the ends of the spar assembly 116/118 abut the sparstanchions 24. A suitable adhesive is applied to the exposed surfaces ofthe honeycomb core 114 and the spar assembly 116/118 in step 208, andthen the lower composite skin 112 is layed-up on adhesive-coatedhoneycomb core 114 and spar assembly 116/118 in step 210. The assembledcombination of the upper composite skin 110 and honeycomb core 114combination, the spar assembly 116/118, and the lower composite skin 112define the blade subassembly 132 components assembled in the lowerassembly 12 of the compaction fixture 10.

Prior to lowering and locking the upper assembly 30 in combination withthe lower assembly 12, a caul plate 42 is preferably inserted betweenthe spar subassembly 132 and the upper assembly 30 in step 212. The caulplate 42 is formed from a plurality of composite plies, e.g. for thedescribed embodiment five to nine prepreg fiberglass plies. The caulplate 42 is configured to conform to the lower composite skin 112 of theblade subassembly 132 and is operative to provide an even pressuredistribution over the blade subassembly 132 components during compactionthereof. After insertion of the caul plate 42 in optional step 212, theupper assembly 30 is lowered and locked in combination with the lowerassembly 12 by means of pinned connections between the respectivelocking members 26, 38 in step 214. Close-out blocks (not illustrated)preferably have been inserted at the inboard and outboard ends 106, 108of the blade subassembly 132 prior to locking the upper and lowerassemblies 12, 30 in combination. The close-out blocks are operative toprevent blade tip and root end round out during compaction of the bladesubassembly 132.

With the upper assembly 30 locked in combination with the lower assembly12, the leading-edge segment (see reference numeral 138 in FIG. 3) ofthe assembled blade subassembly 132 protrudes outwardly from thecompaction fixture 10, i.e., is not enclosed by the compaction fixture10. The pressure source 40 is actuated to pressurize the pressure bag 32in step 216, which exerts pressure forces via the caul plate 42 (ordirectly if the caul plate 42 is not utilized) to compact the assembledblade subassembly 132. For the described embodiment, the pressure bag 32is pressurized so that pressure forces within the range of about 5 psito about 10 psi are exerted against the assembled blade subassembly 132.The assembled blade subassembly 132 is subjected to compaction pressurefor a predetermined compaction period in step 218. For the describedembodiment of the main rotor blade 100, the described assemblage andcompaction process has a compaction period within the range of about tenminutes to about fifteen minutes.

During the compaction period the leading-edge sheath 120 is spread andinserted onto the exposed leading-edge segment 138 of the assembledblade subassembly 132 by means of a sheath spreading and insertionprocess 300 according to the present invention as illustrated in FIG.4B. Prior to insertion of the leading-edge sheath 120, a suitableadhesive is applied to the exposed leading-edge segment 138 in step P1(alternatively the adhesive may be applied to the IML surfaces of theprepreg composite plies 122 of the leading-edge sheath 120).

With the upper and lower carriage members 60U, 60L in a disengagedposition, the leading-edge sheath 120 is inserted between the upper andlower suction cups 66U, 66L in step 302. The disengaged position of thecarriage members 60U, 60L facilitates such insertion without anyphysical contact between the leading-edge sheath 120 and the suctioncups 66U, 66L. Proper insertion of the leading-edge sheath 120 isensured by the abutting engagement of the sheath 120 against the tip endlocator 70 and the leading edge stops 72. The pressure source 64 isactuated to allow synchronized movement of the carriage members 60U, 60Lto an engaged position in step 304 wherein the suction cups 66U, 66Labuttingly engage the leading-edge sheath 120.

The vacuum source 68 is then actuated, causing the suction cups 66U, 66Lto exert suction forces against the respective OML surfaces of theleading-edge sheath 120 in step 306. The suction forces exerted by thesuction cups 66U, 66L are of sufficient strength that the leading-edgesheath 120 remains in engaged combination, i.e., held, by the suctioncups 66U, 66L. The pressure source 64 is actuated to allow synchronizedmovement of the carriage members 60U, 60L back towards the open positionto the operating position. Since the suction cups 66U, 66L are exertingsuction forces to hold the leading-edge sheath 120, the synchronizedmovement of the carriage members 60U, 60L to the operating positioncauses the exposed segments 128 of the sheath 120 to spread apart. Forthe described embodiment, the finished edges 128A (see FIG. 1C) of theexposed segments 128 of the sheath 120 are typically spaced apart byabout one and one-half inches in the normal spaced-apart state. Due tothe action of the sheath spreading/insertion apparatus 50, the finishededges 128A of the exposed segments 128 of the sheath 120 are spreadapart to a spread-apart condition defined by a separation distance ofabout two and one-half to three inches between the opposed segments 128when the carriage members 60U, 60L are moved to the operating position.The spread-apart configuration of the leading-edge sheath 120facilitates insertion thereof onto the exposed segment 138 of the bladesubassembly 132.

To insert the spread-apart leading-edge sheath 120, the stanchion movingmeans 74 is actuated to move the stanchion 52 towards the compactionfixture 10 for insertion of the spread-apart leading-edge sheath 120 instep 310. Proper insertion of the leading-edge sheath 120 is indicatedby the visibility of the red band of the locator rods 76. With theleading-edge sheath 120 fully inserted onto the exposed segment 138 ofthe blade subassembly 132, the hardpoints 136 of the counterweights 118abuttingly engage the IML of the leading-edge sheath 120, the exposedsegments 128 of the prepreg composite plies 122 underlie the upper andlower composite skins 110, 112, and the edges of the upper and lowercomposite skins 110, 112 abuttingly engage the respective edges of thetitanium strips 124.

Once the leading-edge sheath 120 is fully inserted onto the exposedsegment 138 of the blade subassembly 132, the pressure source 64 isactuated to cause synchronized movement of the upper and lower carriagemembers 60U, 60L to the engaged position in step 312. Such synchronizedmovement allows the spread-part leading-edge sheath 120 to return to itsnormal spread-apart state, i.e., for the described embodiment, from aspread-apart condition of about two and one-half to three inches toabout one and one-half inches. In the normal spaced-apart state, theleading-edge sheath 120 exerts a compaction force against the bladesubassembly 132 to facilitate adhesive bonding of the leading-edgesheath 120 in combination with the blade subassembly 132. The vacuumsource 68 is shut down in step 314, which terminates the suction forcesexerted by the upper and lower suction cups 66U, 66L against theleading-edge sheath 120. The pressure source is actuated to causesynchronized movement of the carriage members 60U, 60L back to thedisengaged position in step 316. Finally, in step 318 the stanchion 52is returned to the starting position wherein the spreading and insertionprocess may be repeated as required.

Once the compaction period has elapsed, the locking members 26, 38 areunlocked, and a crane is utilized to remove the upper assembly 30 fromthe lower assembly 12 in step 222. The assembled main rotor blade 100 isthen removed from the contoured upper airfoil nest 14. The assembledmain rotor blade 100 is subsequently cured in an autoclave to form afinished main rotor blade assembly 100.

A variety of modifications and variations of the above-describedapparatus and methods for fabricating a main rotor blade are possible inlight of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that,within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention may bepracticed otherwise than as specifically described hereinabove.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sheath spreading/insertion apparatus forspreading a leading-edge sheath and for inserting the spread-apartleading-edge sheath in combination with a blade subassembly,comprising:a movable stanchion; an upper elongate carriage membermounted in movable combination with said movable stanchion; a pluralityof suction cups mounted in combination with said upper elongate carriagemember; a lower elongate carriage member mounted in movable combinationwith said movable stanchion; a plurality of suction cups mounted incombination with said lower elongate carriage member; means forimparting synchronized movement to said upper and lower elongatecarriage members between a disengaged position wherein the leading-edgesheath member may be inserted between said pluralities of suction cupsmounted in combination with said upper and lower elongate carriagemembers without contact therewith, an engaged position wherein saidpluralities of suction cups abuttingly engage respective OML surfaces ofthe leading-edge sheath, and an operating position wherein theleading-edge sheath is spread apart for insertion onto the bladesubassembly; means for generating suction forces in said pluralities ofsuction cups in the engaged position to cause said suction cups to holdthe respective OML surfaces of the leading-edge sheath such thatsubsequent synchronized movement of said upper and lower elongatecarriage members to the operating position causes the leading-edgesheath to be spread apart; and means for moving said movable stanchionto insert the spread-apart leading-edge sheath onto the bladesubassembly.
 2. The sheath spreading/insertion apparatus of claim 1further comprising means for indicating that the spread-apartleading-edge sheath has been fully inserted onto the blade subassembly.3. The sheath spreading/insertion apparatus of claim 1 wherein saidsynchronized movement imparting means comprises:a plurality of pneumaticcylinders mounted in combination with said upper elongate carriagemember and said movable stanchion; a plurality of pneumatic cylindersmounted in combination with said lower elongate carriage member and saidmovable stanchion; and a pressure source fluidically interconnected tosaid pluralities of pneumatic cylinders; actuation of said pressuresource providing pressurized air to said pluralities of pneumaticcylinders to cause synchronized movement of said upper and lowerelongate carriage members between said disengaged position wherein theleading-edge sheath may be inserted between said pluralities of suctioncups mounted in combination with said upper and lower elongate carriagemembers without contact therewith, said engaged position wherein saidpluralities of suction cups abuttingly engage respective OML surfaces ofthe leading-edge sheath, and said operating position wherein theleading-edge sheath is spread apart for insertion onto the bladesubassembly.
 4. The sheath spreading/insertion apparatus of claim 1wherein said plurality of suction cups mounted in combination with saidupper elongate carriage member comprises ninety suction cups, andwherein said plurality of suction cups mounted in combination with saidlower elongate carriage member comprises ninety suction cups.